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Southampton to consider new deal for Forster

Southampton will attempt to tie Fraser Forster down to a new long-term contract this summer, to fend off a host of clubs chasing the England goalkeeper’s services.

Forster signed a four-year deal when joining Saints from Celtic in 2014, and has been in top form since recovering from long-term knee trouble in January.

The 28-year-old’s string of impressive performances has reputedly had the likes of Chelsea circling, but now Saints manager Ronald Koeman has admitted the St Mary’s hierarchy are keen for Forster to pen new terms.

When quizzed on whether Southampton would aim to complete a new contract for Forster this summer, Koeman said: “That’s a possibility yes.”

Southampton will face another summer battling to retain all their top talents, even if Koeman’s men can secure Europa League football for next term.

Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane will once again be prime targets for Southampton’s Premier League rivals, while Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic could yet be the subject of interest too.

Forster’s prime form has already attracted attention, underlining the size of the task facing Saints’ retention battle once more.

Former Holland defender Koeman still believes Southampton can hold onto the bulk of their star assets – but did admit however that the south coast club cannot compete with the Premier League big spenders.

“We will try to hold onto everyone of course but we know our situation and we know we can’t win against the big teams with a lot of money,” said Koeman.

“That’s a good thing that our players have ambition. Everybody wants to play at the highest level, but we will do everything we can to keep the players in.”